Oats are wonderful for providing fiber and plant-based protein for breakfast or snacks. In these peanut butter and white chocolate chip granola bars the benefits are double. They provide minerals like magnesium, phosphorous, zinc and manganese, while the wonderful B vitamins, B1 and folate are present too. The fiber helps sweep cholesterol out of the colon, feeds good gut bacteria, and helps us stay full longer.
All-natural peanut butter is used in this recipe because it contains only peanuts and salt. There is no hydrogenated oil or sugar added. Peanuts provide more fiber and polyunsaturated fat to this snack, so we are more satisfied. Not only that, but they also provide another source of necessary minerals, B vitamins, biotin, and vitamin E.
Take a look at these two ingredient labels below and ask yourself, “What is better for me and my family?“
God’s plan for our provision and the benefits of food in their natural form will always be better than man’s poor substitute! The good news is we don’t have to settle for less!
We have choices for better snacks for our families. Although few in number, there are companies that try to maintain the integrity of our food. The more we, as concerned parents, place our money where our values are, the bigger the impact on healthier products being offered.
6 Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity
than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.
7 The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding,
but a companion of gluttons shames his father.
Proverbs 28:5-7 ESV – Evil men do not understand justice, but – Bible Gateway
So, to keep the integrity of these granola bars, I wanted to minimize the sugar and maximize the heart-healthy benefits of this snack. Remember the American Heart Association recommends no more than 6 teaspoons of sugar a day for women and 9 teaspoons for men.
Our little guys and girls are those future men and women!
Let’s start protecting them now. Although I’d like to get away with 1/4 cup of sugar, there is a 1/3 cup in this recipe. And that is 16 teaspoons for two batches of roughly 36 granola bars (depending on the size you cut). The white chocolate chips add a little more sugar there are 16 tablespoons in a cup and each tablespoon of Simple Truth Organic White Chocolate Chips has 7grams of added sugar for a total of 112 grams in the entire two batches. About 3grams per bar plus the 1/2 teaspoon of sugar. The total amount makes just under a teaspoon of sugar per bar.
Peanut Butter & White Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
Ingredients
- 4 Cups Oats
- 1 16 oz Jar All Natural Crunchy Peanut Butter (no sugar)
- 1 Tsp. Cinnamon
- 1/3 Cup Sugar
- 1 Cup Simple Truth White Chocolate Chips
- 1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
- 4 Large Eggs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven to 350
- Divide the one tablespoon of olive oil between two 9×13 pans for this double batch of granola bars and spread the oil along both baking dishes well.
- In a small mixing bowl stir the peanut butter (the oil and peanut butter separate after sitting a while), completely incorporating the oil and butter. It's easier to place it in the bowl first and stir well.
- In a large mixing bowl add the Oats, cinnamon, white chocolate chips, and sugar and stir well.
- Add the eggs and peanut butter last, making sure all the oats are covered.
- Divide the mixture between the two baking dishes and roll out until flat.
- Bake at 350 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and carefully cut with a knife then let cool.
Nutrition
God bless you and I hope you enjoy making your own Peanut Butter & White Chocolate Chip Granola Bars with your kids!
